Organizers of a major annual North Long Beach event are taking to social media to raise money for their cause.

Organizers for the 18th annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade are using the social media website GoFundMe.com for a $30,000 goal they want to reach by Nov. 1. About $20,000 of that money would pay for this year’s event. The rest would be banked for next year’s parade.

It’s the latest fundraising initiative for the event, which began 18 years ago with former 9th District Councilman Jerry Shultz and draws some 20,000 people to honor military servicemen and women. About 200 entrants are expected.

The Nov. 8 event, which includes a parade and festival, is put on by volunteers and wholly funded with contributions.

“We’ve been able to get those funds in time in the past, but we’re short this year, and we’re short every year,” said former 9th District Councilman Val Lerch, who launched the GoFundMe campaign. “So we’re trying to get ahead of the curve for next year and fill in that gap.”

The campaign, which began Saturday, has so far garnered $600.

Although it takes about $40,000 to put on the event, the city donates about $15,000 worth of in-kind services, such as street sweeping and police, allowing volunteers to come up with the remaining $25,000, Lerch said.

They have also reached out to groups such as Southern California Edison, the Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Airport for sponsorships. But this year one vendor could no longer donate their services and organizers ended up with a new bill for $5,000.

“We’re going to have a parade no matter what, but we do have to cut some corners,” Lerch said. “The historical base of Long Beach is military. They are the history and the foundation of this city. It’s a crying shame if we don’t do it. It’s important that we honor those people who have given their time and their lives to this country to protect our interests and thank them.”

For more information, visit lbveteransdayparade.com or gofundme.com/LB-Veterans-Day-Parade.